Thread: best CAM programs ?

Hi,
Mach3 for CAM program....not sure if it could be used with the machine described.
Vectric's Aspire for CAD program....a great program and forum support.
Cheers...Kym

Originally Posted by SawDustSniffer

im running , victric 2d & 3d

if money was no object . what would be the best software for 2d , 3d , off Auto Cad files
for a full sheet ( 1200x2400) digital servo 1/4 million dollar machine , auto sheet feeder ,tool changer ,3 phase vacuum pump thats sucks a vacuum through 16mm of MDF ( a dam convenor belt running through it )

The best software depends on what you want to do. For cabinet parts, CadCode, but you'll need some type of cabinet package "front end" to generate the data.
Microvellum is supposed to be the most powerful cabinet package out there, but it also comes with a very steep learning curve.
I use an AutoCAD macro I wrote to generate .dxf files, and use AlphaCAM to create toopaths and nesting. I'd prefer Cadcode vs AlphaCAM, but they had AlphaCAM when I started there. I can generate several hundred .dxf files, create toolpaths and nest and be ready to cut in 5 minutes or less.

There are hundreds of CAM programs out there, and what's best for some may not be for others. One thing you may find is that a lot of these machines are designed to cut panels, and they do it very quickly. But they tend to have a very narrow focus, and often are very poor at doing 3D work.

Fwiw, I've been programming and running these types of machines for the last 15 years.

so whats the best 3d add-on for auto cad ?

AutoCAD is very capable of 3D work all by itself. I don't even know if there are any add-ons these days.